Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright added corporate, M&A and securities partners Nate Hurlbut and John Zarbock, expanding its transactional practices, with particular experience in the rapidly evolving data center, digital infrastructure and energy sectors.
Joining from Greenberg Traurig, Hurlbut and Zarbock represent private equity sponsors, corporate clients, developers and investors on a range of domestic and cross-border deals with a focus on the acquisition, development and commercialization of digital infrastructure and energy projects. Their experience aligns with clients’ growing need for coordinated, multidisciplinary counsel on transactions that span corporate, development, financing and operational considerations.
“Corporate transactions remain a central focus of our firm, particularly as clients face increasingly challenging deal environments,” Jeff Cody, global and U.S. managing partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, said. “Nate and John bring well-rounded M&A practices, strong client relationships and deep experience in sectors that see significant deal activity.”
Scarlet McNellie, head of corporate, M&A and securities at Norton Rose Fulbright, added, “Nate and John’s arrival reflects a broader trend of providing integrated, multidisciplinary guidance through transactions, which has particularly benefited our clients in the data center, digital infrastructure and energy spaces. They bring practices with strong synergies spanning several of the firm’s key sector focuses, including traditional and renewable energy, infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing and consumer markets.”
Hurlbut and Zarbock arrive at a pivotal time for the digital infrastructure sector, as international competition for compute capacity, energy resources and investment reshapes the market. In response, Norton Rose Fulbright launched a dedicated U.S. data center and digital infrastructure cross-practice group earlier this year that brings together lawyers from multiple practices to support clients at every stage of development.
Hurlbut advises a broad range of clients on complex M&A, development, joint venture and financing transactions. He has unique experience leading interdisciplinary teams to manage the entire lifecycle of energy and infrastructure projects, from acquisition to development, financing, commercialization and divestiture. Known for his deep understanding of clients’ organizations and objectives, Hurlbut is frequently sought out for guidance on strategic business decisions.
“What stands out about Norton Rose Fulbright is the unique technical skill across adjacent practices, combined with a thoughtful, commercial approach that allows the firm to provide exceptional service and value to our clients,” Hurlbut said. “Having support in areas such as energy regulatory, project development and real estate results in more coordinated advice, particularly on deals involving digital infrastructure and other complex assets.”
Zarbock guides clients through mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and financings and other complex matters across a range of industries in both domestic and cross-border contexts. He has extensive experience managing transactions in the energy, infrastructure, industrial and financial sectors, among others. Clients appreciate Zarbock’s pragmatic, commercially-minded approach — shaped by experience in both law firm and in-house settings — to navigating complex deals and driving them to close.
“Norton Rose Fulbright’s depth in transactional work strengthens our ability to support matters that sit at the intersection of corporate strategy, financing and development,” John added. “These deals often span geographies and disciplines, and the firm is well positioned to support that level of complexity.”
Hurlbut earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and his bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College. Zarbock earned his law degree from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in accounting from Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management. The partners have earned recognition in many publications, including Chambers USA, Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers.
